Upfronts ’14: Discovery, Grazer, Howard launch “New Form”

Discovery Communications is partnering with Hollywood producers Brian Grazer (pictured, left) and Ron Howard (right) to form a content studio called New Form, which will develop scripted and unscripted programming for digital viewers.

Discovery Communications is partnering with Hollywood producers Brian Grazer (pictured, left) and Ron Howard (right) to form a content studio called New Form, which will develop scripted and unscripted programming for digital viewers.

The producers, among others, will be investing in New Form, which will be based in Los Angeles and helmed by chief creative officer Kathleen Grace, who most recently served as head of creative development for YouTubeSpace LA. The digital studio will partner with key distributors and brands, and series will be available through these partnerships, with potential for expanded distribution across Discovery and international partner platforms in the future.

“We are excited and proud to have the most accomplished and creative minds in all of film and television investing with us in New Form,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications, in a statement. “Brian and Ron are best-in-class storytellers, and we look forward to developing compelling programming for today’s digital viewers.”

Grazer added: “Technology is rapidly changing the entertainment landscape for studios, producers and audiences, and Ron and I could not think of a better partner to invest with than Discovery to expand beyond film and television and enter into the digital frontier.”

Other partners involved in the New Form venture include Craig Jacobson, Ed Wilson, Jim Wiatt, Michael Rosenberg and CAA.